Hi everybody!
We’re coming down to the last two weeks in the program and it’s hard to believe we have to say goodbye soon. These past few weeks I’ve been taking more of a positive approach on things and each week I come back happier than the week before.
This week we didn’t waste time getting into things as people had to get some footage/photos for their final projects. And speaking of final projects, I’ve been putting a lot of work into mine and I can’t wait for you all to see it! So we traveled around Philly stopping at various places such as Overbrook High School, the soon-to-be Philly Highline and the surrounding areas. This was great because I specifically worked on getting some video for my final. Now being a photo guy, video doesn’t come as easy to me, but I was pretty content with my footage and I think it adds a lot more to my final.
Next we headed quickly over to YES where we gathered up the students. We walked down to the newly-opened JBJ homes and got to hang out in this beautiful lounge area. While there, we made some music videos, did some projects for other classmate’s finals and snacked on some Philly pretzels. Although right before we left JBJ, we were reminded of the reality of the system as another program member had been placed in a new home and had to start packing up. I was really touched when another program member hugged the one leaving, but the hug lasted a good minute (at least). The special friendship these two had created while they were at YES was better than most friendships you’d see everyday. It was very powerful to see how they both were able to find light in the idea of friendship despite living in a shelter the past few weeks.
After that we went down to the back of the art museum of some final music videos, photo opportunities and even a prank or two on some of my classmates. We had fun down here, but there we so many gnats! But the sunset and the beautiful day made it worth it. Like I said, I can’t believe this class is coming to an end because it’s grown so much on me since the beginning of the semester. Time to make these last two weeks the big finish!
Ending with no regrets,
-Dan